The government has intensified efforts to strengthen Ghana’s regulatory infrastructure with the launch of a national initiative to train 350 new Trading Standards Inspectors (TSIs).
This forms part of President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy strategy, which aims to boost competitiveness, ensure fairness, and build a vibrant industrial economy.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Koforidua, Minister for Trade, Industry and Agribusiness, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, described the initiative as a bold step towards creating a fair and standardised trading environment.
“This training is not a routine activity but it is a direct response to a presidential directive. It represents our shared commitment to building a competitive, industrially vibrant Ghana,” the Minister said.
She highlighted the urgent need to replace informal and inaccurate measurement systems like the olonka and grawa with certified tools to protect both farmers and traders. “We are institutionalising fairness,” she added.
The new TSIs will be deployed across the country to enforce the Standards Authority Act, 2022 (Act 1078).
Their responsibilities include verifying fuel pump accuracy, calibrating market scales and electricity meters, inspecting goods at ports, and ensuring hospital equipment meets standards.
Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Prof. Alex Dodoo, said these inspectors are the boots on the ground.
Their role is essential to achieving 24-hour inspections, quality control, and enforcement,” Prof. Dodoo said.
Currently, Ghana has 200 trained Trade and Standards Inspectors, but the GSA estimates that at least 2,000 will be needed to cover all 261 districts effectively.
In preparation, the Authority has expanded its laboratory and certification infrastructure nationwide. The enhanced TSI operation is expected to be officially launched by President Mahama at the end of the month.
“This is more than a technical exercise. It is a nation-building initiative,” Minister Ofosu-Adjare said.
